Spring brings more than just milder temperatures and blossoming trees. For many, it also marks the start of pollinosis season, an allergic reaction to airborne pollen. Pollen grains, invisible to the naked eye, are easily dispersed and, when inhaled, can trigger an immune response in those with a genetic predisposition.
It is estimated that more than 20% of the population develops sensitivity to these allergens, but the actual figure could be higher. Experts warn of a high level of underdiagnosis , as many sufferers live with the symptoms without consulting a specialist. Hay allergy can appear at any age, and if left untreated, around 40% of patients may eventually develop asthma.
What is pollinosis and why does it intensify in spring?
Pollinosis, also called seasonal allergy, occurs during certain times of the year. It coincides with the flowering season of certain plants , which release large amounts of pollen into the atmosphere. This season can last from the beginning of spring until well into autumn, depending on the type of vegetation and weather conditions.
Trees typically pollinate during spring; grasses, at the end of spring and the beginning of summer; and weeds, towards the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. This natural cycle explains why symptoms appear or worsen in specific months . Furthermore, the weather plays a role: sunny, dry, and windy days increase pollen concentration, while humidity and rain temporarily reduce it.
Climate change is also leaving its mark. Global warming and air pollution, especially diesel particulate matter from vehicles , are causing pollination seasons to start earlier, last longer , and be more intense. This means that allergy sufferers may be exposed to allergens for longer periods throughout the year.
Most frequent symptoms: how to recognize hay fever
Pollinosis typically presents with nasal and ocular symptoms, although in some cases it also affects the respiratory tract. The most common conditions are allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis. In rhinitis, the nasal mucosa becomes inflamed , and watery discharge, repeated sneezing, nasal congestion, and itching of the nose, palate, or throat may occur.
Allergic conjunctivitis, on the other hand, causes itchy, watery eyes , eye congestion, and even eyelid swelling. If the reaction spreads to the bronchi, coughing and wheezing may also occur, signs that should be evaluated because they could indicate allergic asthma.
When symptoms persist, quality of life suffers. It's not uncommon for them to affect sleep , school or work performance, and daily activities. That's why specialists emphasize not normalizing these discomforts and seeking professional help to differentiate allergy symptoms from other conditions.
Diagnosis and treatment of pollen allergy
Identifying pollinosis involves observing when the symptoms appear. If these recur year after year around the same dates, there is a high probability that they are due to pollen . A definitive diagnosis is made by an allergist using skin prick tests and blood tests to detect specific IgE antibodies against different pollens.
Knowing which type of pollen triggers a reaction allows you to identify the months of highest exposure and take steps to reduce contact with the allergen. General recommendations include ventilating your home during times of low pollen concentration , avoiding outdoor activities on dry and windy days, and wearing sunglasses and a mask if necessary.
Treatment is based on two pillars: minimizing pollen exposure and controlling symptoms with medication. Medications are prescribed according to the location and intensity of the discomfort and provide temporary relief . When conventional treatment is insufficient or the impact on quality of life is significant, allergen immunotherapy , or allergy shots, is an option .
These vaccines use extracts from one or more pollens identified as triggering the reaction. Their aim is to teach the immune system to tolerate the pollen and modify the natural course of the disease. According to experts, it is the only treatment capable of changing the course of the allergy and improving patients' lives in the long term, sometimes complementing asthma treatment with a holistic approach.
Hay fever is an unwelcome companion for millions of people during spring and autumn. Knowing the symptoms, seeing a specialist, and following the appropriate treatment makes all the difference between just surviving the season and enjoying it. Reliable information and early diagnosis remain the best tools for keeping it under control.
